Nominations Sought for 5th Annual Luminaria Awards

The University of New Mexico Division for Equity and Inclusion seeks nominations for the 5th Annual Presidential Luminaria Awards. Recipients of the Presidential Luminaria Awards demonstrate an exemplary commitment to addressing diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice at UNM and/or in the New Mexico. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.

Sister Outsider Poetry, an award-winning duo representing two of the top three female slam poets in the world, Dominique Christina and Denice Frohman, will serve as keynote speakers for the 5th Annual Luminaria Awards and Diversity Celebration, held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the the UNM Student Union Building, Ballroom C. Tickets are available beginning Monday, Oct. 20.

In New Mexico, luminarias are used to "light the way." The word luminaria means a body that gives light. It also is a person of prominence or brilliant achievement. The Luminaria Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have lit the path in areas of diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice. Their commitment can be evident in recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups; teaching, research and/or service; multicultural or cultural awareness programming; social justice organizing, community outreach or similar activities.

Nominations can be made for the following award categories:

Faculty Award: Up to two (2) awards
Staff Award: Up to two (2) awards
Student/Student Organization Awards: Up to two (2) awards
Community Organization Award: One (1) award

Nominations may be submitted by colleagues, peers, supervisors or advisers (in the case of student nominees) who recognize the significance of the nominee's work. Multiple nominators can support an individual's nomination. Nomination letters of support should clearly identify in detail how the nominee meets each of the following criteria:

How does the nominee demonstrate longstanding commitment to addressing diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice at UNM and/or in New Mexico? Provide specific examples.

How does the nominee's effort on behalf of diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice go above and beyond the routine expectations of his/her job or project at UNM and/or in New Mexico?

Click here for an online nomination form. Nomination form may be submitted online or printed and hand-delivered or mailed.

Signed letter(s) of support may be uploaded, hand-delivered or mailed post-marked by Friday, Oct. 17 to: